Development strategy for 1990s recommended by Economic and Social Council.

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The Economic and Social Council has recommended preparation of a global development strategy for the the last decade of the 20th century, to guide assistance and co-operation measures which aim to narrow the gap between rich and poor nations. The UN Secretary-General was asked to play an "important supportive role" in its elaboration.

The General Assembly later in 1988 is expected to consider a proposal by the "Group of 77" developing nations that a third International Development Strategy be launched at a special session of the General Assembly in 1990 devoted to finding ways to achieve sustained global economic growth.

As with the previous two Strategies, the document would be adopted in conjunction with the observance of an International Development Decade, in this case the fourth, which the Assembly is expected to proclaim for the period 1991 to the year 2000.

Other ways to address the effects of the precarious international economic situation and the continuing debt crisis were also discussed at the Council's second regular session of 1988 (6-29 July, Geneva).

In considering how transnational banks could help alleviate the debt crisis and the potential impact of such measures on the capital accounts of developing countries, the Council urged that the effective repayment capacity of debtor developing countries be considered, allowing for maintenance of satisfactory growth of their economies.

The 54-member body also expressed concern over the relocation of environmentally dangerous operations in developing countries. The environmental impact of international corporate operations in poorer nations, as well as the impact of nuclear wastedumping, were to be studied.

Other issues covered in the 29 resolutions and 21 decisions included: consumer protection, integration of women into the development process, the global strategy to combat AIDS, and assistance programmes for Afghanistan, Lebanon, southern Africa and Palestinians.

The Council also recommended a series of measures aimed at its own "revitalization", so it could truly better co-ordinate activities in its major areas of interest.

Council President Andres Aguilar of Venezuela said the propitious international political climate had contributed to the session's success. There had been a noticeable spirit of co-operation and understanding.

A 'significantly different' document

No official strategy was adopted for the first Development Decade covering the 1960s.The first International...

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